Jaguar XFR-S

The second model in the Jaguar ultra-high performance R-S range, the XFR-S Sedan joins its XKR-S sibling as a vivid expression of the carmaker's longstanding performance lineage. Just 100 of these ultra-performance sedans will be offered for the U.S. market, making it one of the most exclusive Jaguar models.

The 5-liter supercharged V8 engine provides electrifying performance from 550hp and 502 lb-ft of torque – up 40hp and 41 lb-ft, respectively, over the XFR. The increases have been achieved through revisions to the engine management system and improvements to the intake and exhaust flow. This all-new combination provides a visceral blend of vivid acceleration and driver involvement. The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds1 (0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds) and reach an electronically-limited maximum track speed of 186 mph1 (300km/h).

The all-aluminum 32-valve quad-cam engine delivers not only extraordinary performance but also efficiency thanks to such technologies as spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminum block is stiffened with cast iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power. Between the aluminum four-valve cylinder heads sits a Roots-type twin vortex supercharger fed by two intercoolers to reduce the temperature of the pressurized air to optimize power and efficiency. Each intercooler features its own water-cooling circuit.

The XFR-S exhaust system replaces the central muffler with an X-piece and near straight-through rear pipes. The combination yields an enhanced exhaust note that "crackles" on deceleration. The intake system also features a symposer that channels some induction sounds into the cabin, adding to the auditory excitement of driving the XFR-S.

A number of key driveline components have been uprated in order to both adapt the XFR-S for the greater power and torque outputs and stiffen the entire drivetrain to make its responses more immediate. These include uprated half-shafts, a larger central bearing on the driveshaft, and a new torque converter.

These changes have allowed Jaguar engineers to tune the throttle response to suit the more focused nature of the XFR-S. The response to throttle inputs has been made significantly quicker. Engaging Dynamic Mode increases engine response for a given movement of the accelerator pedal.

When downshifting (either manually or when in Sport mode), the engine management system automatically blips the throttle to ensure the XFR-S remains balanced, particularly important when entering a corner. This function also allows the transmission to perform multiple and very rapid downshifts during hard braking.

When operating in automatic mode, the transmission can detect the manner in which the car is being driven by monitoring acceleration and braking, cornering forces, throttle and brake pedal activity, road load and kickdown request. On detecting a more enthusiastic driving style, the transmission will automatically make the gearshifts more aggressive and move the upshift point higher in the rev range.

Corner Recognition senses when the car is negotiating a bend, the transmission holding the correct gear for the exit. The transmission will also recognize when the car is performing a series of overtaking maneuvers requiring rapid throttle position changes. Rather than upshift, it will remain in a lower gear, ready for the next demand for acceleration.

The XFR-S comes equipped as standard with the Intelligent Stop/Start system, which automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop and the brake pedal is held. When the brake is released, the system will restart the engine in less time than it takes for the driver's foot to move to the accelerator.

A twin solenoid system, Intelligent Stop/Start allows for 'change of mind' functionality, bringing the engine back up to speed even during its run-down phase if, for instance, the car is coming to a stop at a junction and the driver sees an opportunity to join the traffic flow.